Once identity thieves have your personal information, they may:

Go on spending sprees using your credit and debit card account numbers to buy "big-ticket" items like computers that they can easily sell.

Open a new credit card account, using your name, date of birth and SSN. When they don't pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.

Change the mailing address on your credit card account. The imposter then runs up charges on the account. Because the bills are being sent to the new address, it may take some time before you realize there's a problem.

Take out auto loans in your name.

Establish phone or wireless service in your name.

Counterfeit checks or debit cards, and drain your bank account.

Open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account.

File for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they've incurred, or to avoid eviction.

Give your name to the police during an arrest. If they are released and don't show up for their court date, an arrest warrant could be issued in your name.